Yogurt and Eczema
Nutritionist Vicki Koenig, MS, RD, CDN wrote that new research shows probiotics in yogurt can help reduce the incidence and severity of eczema in toddlers. Eczema is a skin disease caused by an immune system response to an irritation. Eczema can be caused by stress, food allergies, respiratory irritants, etc. The incidence of the disease is increasing throughout the world, especially in industrial countries.
A recent New Zealand study found that the specific probiotic called Lactobacillus rhamnosus (available in one serving of Stonyfield Farm yogurt or other yogurt with that specific strain) reduced the number of eczema cases and the severity in children one or two years old. It’s important to note that the study tested other strains of probiotics and there was no difference compared to the placebo. The Lactobacillus rhamnosus was the only probiotic strain to have the positive effects on eczema.
Koenig is the featured nutritionist for Stonyfield Farm’s products. After studying the results, she said a pregnant woman could help reduce the risk of eczema for her child by eating daily servings of Stonyfield Farm’s yogurt (YoMommy) and continuing to eat the yogurt while she is breastfeeding. Koenig said the mother could give YoBaby Simply Plain to her baby at six months and YoBaby yogurt or other Stonyfield yogurt varieties continuously for the first two years.
I love yogurt, especially with fresh fruit mixed in. But, not everyone likes it. If you don’t like it plain but want to reap all the nutritional benefits, try hiding it in other foods such as smoothies, Tzatziki sauce (Greek), or in spinach and artichoke dip (ChefMD has a great recipe).
